Among the team of galactic defenders are Rocket Raccoon, a laser-toting, genetically engineered raccoon, and Groot, an extraterrestrial plant monster.

Gunn could be well-suited to the offbeat material, however, with dark, superhero satire 'Super' already under his belt.

Joss Whedon, also now working heavily with Marvel following 'Avengers Assemble', reckons he's the man for the job.

“He has a very twisted take on it, but it all comes from a real love for the material,” he said last week. “It’s going to be hard for the humans to keep up. I know he’s going to come from left field and I’m going to go, ‘What?’ And then, ‘Of course, why didn’t I think of that?’ And then I’m going to beat him!”

Among the other members of the Guardians are Star-Lord, a former NASA astronaut turned galactic crimefighter, Drax the Destroyer, a cohort of Iron Man, and Gamora, an powerful alien who is the last of her species.

It's thought that the film may introduce Marvel villain Thanos, briefly spotted in 'Avengers Assemble', who is also likely to feature in 'Avengers Assemble 2'.